Dolly Parton earned nearly every major honor a musician could aspire to during her legendary career as a legendary singer-songwriter, but her influence spread well beyond country music and into the world of Hollywood films.
Parton, whose death at age 80 was announced Tuesday by her nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver, made her feature film debut with 1980s “9 to 5” and went on to amass a long list of acting credits. Parton, whose song by the same name became a workplace anthem, was already well established as a country music icon when she portrayed Doralee Rhodes in the story of three female employees who find creative and comedic ways to get even with their sexist boss played by Dabney Coleman.
Parton starred alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin in the hit film, establishing herself as a pop culture figure with a broader audience. Parton’s song won two Grammy awards, and she was nominated for her first Academy Award (Best Music, Original Song).
Tomlin shared an X post that included a photo of Parton and the caption, “Friend. Songwriter. The Great Harmonizer of Humanity. Dolly. Dolly. Dolly. Forever Dolly.”
Parton, who had a home in West Hollywood, followed “9 to 5” with roles in several other films.
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” (1982): Parton played Miss Mona Stangley, the protective proprietor of the “Chicken Ranch” brothel. She starred alongside Burt Reynolds in the musical comedy that earned Parton a second Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. Parton performed her stirring hit “I Will Always Love You” for the movie.
Parton released the song in 1974, and it later became a hit for Whitney Houston in 1992. In a 2021 interview with People magazine, Parton reflected on the song’s lasting success over the decades.
“You never know when you’re writing songs, how they’re going to turn out,” Parton told People in 2021. “But after ‘I Will Always Love You’ became a worldwide thing, it was in the movie ‘The Bodyguard,’ and it was No. 1. I really felt my worth.
“Whitney did such a fantastic job. And I thought, ‘Wow. I wrote that little song.’ That’s when I felt my worth as a songwriter. This is my gift and I’m going to do the best I can with it.”
“Rhinestone” (1984): Parton and Sylvester Stallone shared the screen in a musical comedy involving a bet that Parton’s character can turn a New York cab driver into a country music star. A few lessons later at her Tennessee home and Stallone’s character is on a path toward a dramatic career change.
“Steel Magnolias” (1989): Parton played Truvy Jones, a Louisiana beauty salon owner who shared her wisdom with customers. The comedy-drama about the friendship shared by a group of woman also featured Sally Field, Shirley MacLaine and Julia Roberts.
Field shared a heartfelt Instagram post Monday about her co-star.
“If there are truly angels on earth, then we have just lost one,” Field said. “Dolly Parton. There will never be another. I adored her with all my heart and will always cherish our time together. Forever. Rest in peace beautiful Dolly.”
“Straight Talk” (1992): Parton’s character leaves small town Arkansas life behind for the big city, in this case it’s Chicago, and accidentally becomes a radio talk show host.
“Joyful Noise” (2012): Parton teamed up with Queen Latifah in this feel-good film about a choir that takes a new direction under a new director entering a high-stakes national competition.
Parton also became familiar to TV audiences with roles in variety specials and a long list of TV holiday films. Parton also produced projects through her Sandollar Productions company.
She earned 11 Grammy Awards, a Country Music Hall of Fame induction and a Kennedy Center Honor.
Parton has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984 and was later inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022. She was named a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in 2004 for her enrichment of the American cultural heritage.
Parton’s star is located at 6710 Hollywood Boulevard, where flowers will be placed Tuesday afternoon in her memory.
“Today, we will place flowers on the Walk of Fame star of our beloved Dolly Parton with profound sadness and gratitude,” aid Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame producer. “Dolly was a once-in-a-lifetime talent whose music, films, generosity, and unmistakable spirit touched millions around the world. Her loss is immeasurable—not only to her family, friends, and fans, but to the entire world. The Hollywood Walk of Fame will forever shine a little brighter because Dolly Parton walked among us.”
No cause of death was announced in Seaver’s Instagram post.